Cost of Living: Houston vs Oklahoma City (2026)

Houston vs Oklahoma City cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Oklahoma City is about 8% less expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $91,665 in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City is about 8% less expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $91,665 in Oklahoma City.

Houston vs Oklahoma City: the numbers

MetricHoustonOklahoma CityDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)9990-8%
Median rent$1,313$1,083-18%
Median home value$253,400$215,100-15%
Median household income$62,894$66,702+6%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Houston has the same buying power as about $91,665 in Oklahoma City. Going the other way, $100,000 in Oklahoma City is like $109,093 in Houston.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Houston and Oklahoma City.

Compare any salary: Houston vs Oklahoma City

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 99 vs 90 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Oklahoma City.

About $91,665 — that's what you'd need in Oklahoma City to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.